EDISON, N.J., April 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ContraVir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTRV), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of targeted antiviral therapies, announced today the appointment of leading researchers in hepatitis B virus (HBV) to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). The newly appointed members, Professor Henry Chan Lik Yuen and Professor Jin-Lin Hou, will add support and expertise in continued development of the company’s products and business objectives.

“We are extremely excited about the expansion of our SAB,” commented James Sapirstein, Chief Executive Officer of ContraVir. “The 505 (b)(2) Regulatory Pathway news announcement  shared earlier this year, allows us to forge new discussions with other potential markets. I am confident the advice and guidance of these renowned experts will prove invaluable advances to the company’s pipeline, as we continue to position ContraVir as one of the top leaders in search of an HBV cure.”

Dr. Henry Chan Lik Yuen, MD.

Professor Henry Chan Lik is currently Head of Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Director of Institute of Digestive Disease, Director of Center for Liver Health, Director of Office of Global Engagement, and Assistant Dean (External Affairs) of Faculty of Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.  A key investigator in over 25 international trials on antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C, Professor Chan today is the global lead author in publications on peginterferon-alfa, peginterferon-lambda, telbivudine, and tenofovir for the treatment of viral hepatitis B with over 350 papers in peer-reviewed journals. His research work on chronic hepatitis B has helped to decipher the relationship between the genetics of hepatitis B virus and disease progression.

Dr. Jin-Lin Hou, MD.

Professor Jin-Lin Hou is the Director and Professor of the Hepatology Unit and Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, China. Previously, Professor Hou served as President of the Chinese Medical Association of Infectious Diseases, as well as President of APASL 2017. He has been invited to deliver talks at both national and international liver conferences owing to his expertise in viral hepatitis. His current research interests include the clinical management of viral hepatitis and the molecular virology and immunology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) infection. Professor Hou has published more than 400 articles peer-reviewed journals, including Hepatology, Journal of Hepatology, GUT, Gastroenterology, NEJM, Lancet Infectious Diseases and Science, et al.

About ContraVir Pharmaceuticals
ContraVir is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of targeted antiviral therapies with a specific focus on developing a potentially curative therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV). The company is developing two novel anti-HBV compounds with complementary mechanisms of action. TXL™, designed to deliver high intrahepatic concentrations of TFV while minimizing off-target effects caused by high levels of circulating TFV (bone and kidney), recently completed a Phase 2a trial. CRV431, the other anti-HBV compound, is a next-generation cyclophilin inhibitor with a unique structure that increases its potency and selective index against HBV. In vitro and in vivo studies have thus far demonstrated that CRV431 reduces HBV DNA and other viral proteins, including surface antigen (HBsAg). For more information visit www.contravir.com 

Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "forecast," "estimated" and "intend," among others. These forward-looking statements are based on ContraVir's current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, substantial competition; our ability to continue as a going concern; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties with respect to lengthy and expensive clinical trials, that results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results; uncertainties of government or third party payer reimbursement; limited sales and marketing efforts and dependence upon third parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. As with any drug candidates under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of new products. There are no guarantees that future clinical trials discussed in this press release will be completed or successful, or that any product will receive regulatory approval for any indication or prove to be commercially successful. ContraVir does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in ContraVir's Form 10-KT for the year ended December 30, 2017 and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For further information, please contact:
Sharen Pyatetskaya
Director of Investor Relations
sp@contravir.com; (732) 902-4028